How to Find Correct Types of Ganesh Idols for Gifting and Home
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When you have so much different types of Ganesha idols, how do you decide up on buying the right one for your home or as a gift?
Well, before getting in to details, let us see the different types of Ganesha Idols.
4 Types of Ganesh Idols Based on Posture
The Sitting Ganesha – This is the most common type of Ganesha idol you will find in homes and offices. Ganesha in ‘Lalitasana’ represents a calm and relaxed deity. In sitting posture, he is meditating while keeping a watch over your family.
You will find different types of sitting Ganesha idols. In some idols, he sits cross-legged. In others, he sits with one leg on the ground and other leg folded. And the interesting thing is, every posture has its meaning. For instance, take the second posture of Lord Ganesha that we talked about. Here, he is in half-meditation while one leg on the ground signifies his concern for us, the devotees.
Standing Ganesha – The Ganesha idol in the ‘Abhanga’ posture is another popular type. Most homes and offices use standing Ganesh idol where guests arrive. Lord Ganesha in his standing posture is a delight to watch. He looks enormous in this posture because of the large belly. The standing posture signifies rigidity and right attitude.
Like in the case of sitting Ganesha idols, you will find different types of standing Ganesha idols too. Some idols have a couple of bends in his body while some have three bends. These idols are usually called Dvibhanga and Tribhanga postures of Lord Ganesha. In some idols, he is seen with one leg on the ground and other leg resting on the mouse, his vehicle.
Dancing Ganesha – The dancing idols are just amusing to watch. Lord Ganesha looks gracious in his moves, even with the heavy built and large belly. This posture of Lord Ganesha is often related to the dance of destruction. That is why thes idols are hardly seen at homes and offices.
Quite often in this posture, Lord Ganesha is seen dancing on his vehicle- mouse. This shows the courage and power of the small mouse. This is the power of Lord Ganesha’s blessing. After receiving his blessings, even the size doesn’t matter for the small mouse.
Reclining Ganesha – Reclining Ganesha is more of a creative art form than an idol for worship. You will find reclining Ganesha idols in homes, but probably not in the pooja rooms. These idols look very regal and royal, and are more of a home décor idol.
In these idols, Lord Ganesha is seen reclining on a pillow and supporting himself with one arm. These idols represent luxury and comfort.
So that was the classification of Lord Ganesha idols based on posture. But that’s not the only kind of classification for Ganesha idols. You can classify Ganesha idols depending on the positioning of His trunk. Here is the classification for you.
3 Types of Ganesh Idols Based on His Trunk Direction
Trunk to Left side – The Ganesha idol with trunk to the left side is normally known as Edamuri Vinayaka or Vamamukhi. This is the common form of Ganesh idol that people buy for their pooja rooms.
Now the question of why Edamuri Vinayaka is common. Here is the reason. Left side means North direction. North direction means Chandra Nadi. Now this Chandra Nadi is known for bliss and tranquility. So Lord Ganesha with his trunk to the left side is known to be calm, blissful and in the happy mood.
Trunk to Right side – The Ganesha idol with trunk to the right side is known as
Dakshinabhimukhi murti. This kind of Lord Ganesha idols are not normally found in homes and offices. And there is a reason.
Right side means South direction. South direction means Surya Nadi. And such an idol is said to be active. You cannot go around worshiping a Dakshinabhimukhi Ganesha like any other idol in your pooja room. To worship Dakshinabhimukhi Ganesha, special routine rituals are necessary and you need to observe all the norms of these rituals without fail. That may be the reason, why you can only see right trunked Ganesh murti only at temples.
Idols with Straight Trunk – You will also find Ganesha idols with a straight trunk or trunk up in the air. These kinds of idols are hard to find, but are considered special. The idol with the trunk of Lord Ganesha in the air represents a state where his ‘Kundalini’ reached the peak. These idols are always good for any home and office. So if you are to gift Lord Ganesha idol to someone, it would be best if you could avoid the Dakshinabhimukhi murti idols
Rules to Follow When Selecting Ganesh Idols for Your Home (or as a Gift)
Select Ganesh Idols with Trunk Towards Left – As already mentioned, always buy Ganesh idols with his trunk towards left. Lord Ganesh with his trunk to the left can be easily pleased with minimal poojas and offerings. However, if you are giving a Ganesh with trunk to the right, make sure you tell your recipient that these idols demand more attention and special poojas to keep him content.
Sitting or Standing Idols are Okay, but Not Dancing – While idols of Lord Ganesh in both sitting and standing posture are considered good for every home and office, the dancing form of Ganesh, usually known as Nritya Ganesha or Natraj Ganesh, are not normally used. These idols are avoided especially in the pooja rooms. But these idols can make perfect gifts for creative people like artists and, of course, dancers.
Creative Representation of Ganeshas can be Used for Home Décor or Gifts, but not for Worshipping – Lord Ganesh playing tabla, Ganesh leaning to a pillow with one hand, child Ganesh lying on a banyan leaf etc are examples. These creative Ganesh idols can be and are used for home décor or as gifts. The important thing to remember with idols like these is to never keep them in the pooja room. These idols are not meant for worshiping.
Maximum Height of Idols 18 Inches for Worshipping – You can buy Ganesh idols of any size or height for home décor or as gifts. But when you are selecting Ganesh idols to offer prayers and to keep in the pooja room, never choose an idol that is more than 18 inches tall. This idol should also be placed on a high platform.
Do not Select/Keep Broken Idols – As a final piece of advice, never buy or keep broken Ganesh idols in your home. Broken idols will only bring bad luck to you and your family. Normally, people tend to leave broken idols of deities in sea or lakes. If you have any broken idols in your home, this is something you too can do.
